crossover

The crossover or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is currently the most popular car type all around the world. It’s best described as a compromise between a hatchback and SUV. It sports all the features of an SUV, such as high driving stance, a long platform and an overall larger appearance. However, the crossover is not quite as big as the classic SUV. That’s also where its popularity comes from. Most crossovers look sturdy, safe and full of character, much more so than a smaller hatchback or other vehicle type.

The SUV-like features of a crossover create the assumption that it’s capable of off-road activity. However, this is mostly not the case at all. Not many CUVs are good for off-road. This is because their platforms and suspension are not produced for the highly alternating pressure that comes with off-road driving.

The advantage of crossovers over SUVs is that they drive like regular cars and have more interior and technological options. SUVs are more necessity cars than crossovers, so their sales don’t benefit of too much luxury in the cabin.

The 2017 Buick Encore is a cute little crossover, but just big enough to be called one. However, it’s also small and light enough to not scare off the larger audiences. Since its introduction in 2013 the Buick Encore experienced a steady growth in sales numbers. Especially notable was the 2015 peak with a sale of around 70,000 units, which according to Buick accounted for a third of their total sales. Not bad at all, and at the same time…

The 2017 Kia Niro is Kia’s latest addition to their line-up of successful vehicles. Special about it is that it’s the first real subcompact cross-over they offer. Of course, they have the Sportage and Sorento, but these are both full-sized SUVs and are exactly what makes the subcompact cross-over so popular. It’s a car that looks like an SUV, but doesn’t come with the same size, weight and frankly, price. The quirky and electric 2016 Kia Soul is actually the…

The 2017 model year will come with a revamped 2017 Nissan Rogue. The car had an exterior and interior update, as well as some new tech and safety features. A pretty big bunch of tweaks on the Rogue model, all for the same reason. To make the Rogue an even more attractive compact crossover and compete in the crowded crossover segment. Ultimate goal: to make it the best-selling Nissan automobile in the United States. To achieve this two more luxurious…

This is a vehicle that has been in the making for a long time. In 2003 the first prototype, then named Alfa Romeo Kamal, was first shown to the public. After years of improving and rendering we finally see the finished product in the shape of the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Recently, Alfa Romeo did some good business with their release of the new and improved technological and aesthetic masterpiece the 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio and the masterly automotive creation the…

In 2018, Ford will release a new small SUV model on the North-American market, an overdue addition to their collection of large, larger, largest SUVs. The 2018 Ford EcoSport has been on other markets since 2014 and is now supposed to compete with other compact crossover models. Examples include the organic and round 2017 Mazda CX-3 and the fantastic little 2016 Jeep Renegade. The smaller SUVs that were put out recently drew the American public unexpectedly well. All in all,…

Nissan has seen the light of SUVs and is releasing a new SUV/cross-over model for the 2017 model year. Besides that, they also redesigned their existing CUVs, like the Juke. We are not sure if the focus on cross-overs indicates a new core incentive for Nissan, or if they just feel the need to catch up with the market that has shifted towards the SUV/crossovers. Anyway, the 2017 Nissan Kicks is here to go to battle with the bus load…

The ruler of all luxury automobiles Jaguar is getting ready for another year of releasing a bunch of great cars. One of those is the F-Pace SVR, an SUV-type of vehicle. SUVs are originally not very Jaguar-like, but the ever developing brand has embraced the SUV and crossover lately. It only fits in a world where people desire a stable car that not only looks good, but also offers a sense of safety. The SUV connects perfectly to these wishes.…

Kia Motor Company, the largest car manufacturer of South-Korea after Hyundai, will release their all new 2017 Sportage later on this year. The first pictures Kia released look great. The Sportage looks slightly unique and overall very upscale. Would you like to know what to expect from this new Korean-made SUV? Read on to find out the interior and exterior design, engine and tech specs, and finally pricing and release date. Can the 2017 Kia Sportage live up to expectations…

The New York Auto Show earlier this year was the perfect occasion for Mazda to reveal their new MX-5 RF. Mazda releases this car for the 2017 model year. In addition, it’s a lightly adapted “retractable fastback” version of Mazda’s successful sports model Miata or MX-5. The 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF should be a worthy addition to Mazda’s luxury line. Mazda figured the combination of a sports car with a hard top convertible was good to broaden their public. Mazda…